1. Google--The company took the Best Companies title for a fourth time, and not just for the 100,000 hours of free massages it gave out in 2012. This year, there are three new wellness centers and a seven-acre sports complex, which includes a roller hockey rink; courts for basketball, bocce, and shuffle ball; and horseshoe pits.
2. SAS--With two artists in residence on staff, the perk-friendly, privately held data analytics firm takes creativity seriously. One employee said SAS's "creative anarchy" is conducive to innovation. New this year is an organic farm for SAS's four cafeterias.
3. CHG Healthcare Services --Employees of this medical staffing firm compete in talent shows, trivia contests, and activities like a Dress As Your Favorite President competition. Extra paid time off is given to sales teams that meet their goals. New this year: two on-site health centers.
4. The Boston Consulting Group--The elite management consulting firm maintains work-life balance by issuing a "red zone report" to flag when individuals are working too many long weeks. New consultants can delay their start date by six months and receive $10,000 to volunteer at a nonprofit.
5. Wegmans Food Markets --Turnover is an really low 3.6% at the Northeastern grocery chain, which lets employees reward one another with gift cards for good service. Many workers like it there so much they bring in relatives. In fact, one in five employees are related.
6. NetApp--Employees at the data storage company get a chance to receive special recognition. The vice chairman asks managers to notify him when they "catch someone doing something right," and then calls 10 to 20 employees every day to thank them.
7. Hilcorp Energy Company—The oil and gas driller is a newcomer to the list. It promised staff in 2010 that if the company doubled its production rate and reserves by 2015, every employee will get a check for $100,000. An earlier goal that the company met led to 400 employees getting $50,000 toward a new car.
8. Edward Jones--The privately held securities firm maintains 11,000 small offices and a close-knit culture with regular regional gatherings for ice skating, fishing tournaments, and more. Forty-four percent of new hires come from employee referrals.
9. Ultimate Software--The developer of people-management software has customers that include Google, Quicken Loans, and the New York Yankees. They cover 100% of health care premiums for employees and dependents and treat workers to a free vacation every two years.
10. Camden Property Trust--Good times are built into the business at apartment-manager Camden. The company's' founders are known for practical jokes and impersonations. Other benefits include discounted rentals for employees and a 401(k) that matches at least 50% for up to 7% of pay.
